Snickers Peanut Butter Squared Wins Product of the Year

NEW YORK CITY -- Snickers Peanut Butter Squared was recognized as the top candy of 2012 by Product of the Year USA.

The confection puts a spin on the classic Snickers bar, with two milk chocolate-covered squares and an added layer of peanut butter to its signature nougat, caramel and peanut center. Mars Chocolate North America introduced in the concept in 2011.

Hosted in 28 countries, Product of the Year is reportedly the world's largest consumer-voted program that recognizes innovation in consumer packaged goods. Winners are selected by some 50,000 votes from an online survey conducted by research agency TNS.

Winners in each category earn the honorary red "Product of the Year" seal, which can be added to packaging, advertising and in-store signage.

Other 2012 honorees are PepsiCo's Sierra Mist Natural in the beverage category and ConAgra's Orville Redenbacher's gourmet popping corn in the snack category.